Kong: Skull Island

"One of the most classic fantasy movie characters, King Kong, returns bigger and more powerful than ever. Kong: Skull Island reinvigorates the character in a giant monster movie that delivers exactly what it sets out to do: lots of action and ferocity. Set in a 'post-Vietnam' backdrop, and even making an obvious parallel to the war and the United States' stance towards it, Kong's narrative is simple and straightforward: on an invasive excursion of self-interest, the group finds itself harassed by those being bothered in their own home and thus reacts with violence. Thus, trapped in an inhospitable environment, they face a battery of challenges to ensure their survival. This narrative simplicity ensures that the movie can shine in other aspects, offering clear and unadorned action and adventure that goes straight to the point, exciting and captivating the viewer. The movie takes advantage of clichés when they are convenient - certain moments in the movie border on cheesy, but in a way that benefits the narrative, and converses with the overall tone of the movie - or subverts them when it becomes interesting to do so. Finally, the movie does not fall into repetitions in its sequences, with varied action scenes, executed in different ways and always very visible - clear environments and longer shots - ensuring attention and locating the viewer well, with breathtaking immersive scenes. Using resources intelligently, such as well-placed slow cameras and dazzling visuals that know how to highlight the beauty of plasticity. A monster and survival movie that understands exactly what it intends and thus manages to satisfy and please its audience."